My prior post explained what a Power of Attorney is and how it works.  But you need to know more about this powerful tool.  For instance, how do you create one?  And what powers does it grant to your agent?  Whom should you choose as your agent? How do you create a power of attorney?…

A will is a critical part of your estate plan, but it is only useful after your death.  To protect yourself in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself, you must do more. If you are incapacitated there are two main areas in which you need someone else to have the right…

My prior posts have explained the probate process and why you need a will. This post will address what may happen if you don’t have a will.  If you do not have a will, your possessions will be distributed by the court, in a probate proceeding, according to the Minnesota law governing intestate succession. Under current…

When it comes to estate planning there are two major vehicles for the distribution of property: A will and a trust. Both are very useful tools and can accomplish specific goals—but how do you know which one is best for your family? Contrary to popular belief, the two are not adversarial concepts, and you don’t…

You’ve read in my recent posts why you need to plan your estate, you’ve talked to your partner, and you’re ready to go… you just aren’t sure how to get started.  This is understandable; estate planning can feel like an overwhelming endeavor when you’re presented with everything at once.  The trick to getting started with your planning…

Who do you want at your bedside when you’re terminally ill–Your best friend of 20 years or the brother you haven’t spoken with in 20 years?  And who should inherit your home and the assets contained within it when you die—or your hard-earned retirement savings for that matter—your distant uncle, or your partner who has…